Offices and Ministries

A

Responsible for the policies, processes and administration of Diocese accounting functions, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, operating budget,annual audit, and financial reports for the diocesan administrative and secretariat offices and diocesan cemeteries. Also provide accounting services through service agreements to Catholic trusts and non-profit corporations, including high schools and special education centers, and pension plans within the Diocese of Allentown.

“The Allentown Diocese in the Year of Our Lord”
Incorporated as Allentown Catholic Communications, Inc.
Official biweekly newspaper of the Diocese covering news affecting the Catholic community on the local diocesan, national and international level.

Office of Communications

Chief spokesperson for the Bishop and the Diocese. Provides publicity for Secretariats and agencies of the Diocese through print and electronic media outlets; serves as liaison for diocesan Secretariats with the media; produces in-house video presentations. Publishes the diocesan Official Catholic Directory.

Courage is an international apostolate of the Catholic Church which ministers to persons with same-sex attractions. EnCourage ministers to the spouses, families, and friends struggling with the issue of same-sex attractions. Both support groups meet monthly.

Office for Ministry with Persons with Disablities

The Office for Ministry with Persons with Disabilities, Catholic Life and Evangelization, Diocese of Allentown, is committed to facilitate the implementation of the Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on People with Disabilities which calls for “realizing the unique gifts individuals with disabilities have to offer the Church” and Society and to advocate for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the full participation of the liturgical and sacramental life of the church.

E

The Early Childhood Education Department assists the Superintendent in all matters and programs pertaining to Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Programs such as: developing Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten curriculum, sponsoring staff development workshops, directing the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten committees, and acting as a liaison of the Superintendent with pastors, principals, teachers, and parents concerned with Early Childhood issues.

Maintains and cultivates understanding, respect and cooperation between the diocese and other Christian and non-Christian communities in the diocesan area through education, dialogue and common witness.

The Elementary School Religious Education Department assists the superintendent in matters and programs pertaining to religious education such as: conducting meetings with elementary religion coordinators; conducting the Religious Education Certificate Program for teachers; coordinating new teacher reflection days; assists in coordinating retreats and days of recollection for teachers; visiting schools to review religion programs; assisting in the development of religion curriculum; coordinating the RAINBOWS program; acting as a liaison of the Superintendent with pastors, principals, teachers, and parents in matters pertaining to elementary school religious education.

The Government Programs Department is responsible for coordinating and monitoring federal, state and locally funded programs providing special education, remedial and auxiliary services, professional development, textbooks, instructional materials, equipment and technology. The Department works with school districts, intermediate units, state and federal officials to assure equitable Participation of diocesan staff and students in discretionary as well as competitive programs.. The Department monitors current and proposed legislation to advocate support from appropriate political constituencies.

Serves all diocesan locations in providing information, assistance and policies relating to all employees all aspects of the employment process – the development of job descriptions; employee recruiting, interviewing, hiring and training; performance appraisals and employee relations; succession planning, etc.

I

The Office of Adult Formation seeks to provide adult catechesis and formation that will promote a genuine love for Jesus Christ and bear fruit in the Church. This two-fold objective forms the foundation of the Institute for Catechesis and Formation (ICF), which offers Faith Enrichment courses for adults, as well as specialized formation and training for parish staff, liturgical ministers, volunteers, and catechists.

The Office of Multicultural Affairs is dedicated to creating an awareness of the rich ethnic diversity in the Diocese of Allentown, and develop outreach programs and resource materials which challenge parishes and individuals to strive to welcome cultural diversity. The Church’s call to communion, solidarity and conversion to the stranger in our midst encourages the newcomer’s inclusion and participation in a parish.

Office of the Permanent Diaconate

This Personnel Department assists the Superintendent in matters and programs pertaining to the teachers of the Diocese, such as; recommending and interviewing lay teacher applicants for placement, reviewing teacher evaluation reports, conducting new teacher induction programs, and acting as a liaison of the Superintendent with pastors, principals, teachers, and parents in matters pertaining to teachers. The Department also participates in the deliberations of the Teachers Working Conditions Committee and the Ad Hoc Negotiating Committee.

Office of Pro-life Activities and Social Concerns

Coordinates activities and programs within the Diocese and assists the parishes in implementing Pro-Life activities including educational, pastoral, public policy programs, and prayer and worship. Acting as a catalyst, the office promotes the social mission of the Church. It encourages individuals and parishes to formulate a Gospel response to the social issues of the day. The Office of Pro-Life Activities and Social Concern educates, advocates and challenges people to put faith into action.

S

The Secondary Schools Department assists the Superintendent in all matters and programs pertaining to Secondary Schools such as: developing Secondary Education curriculum, sponsoring staff development workshops, and working with the Secondary Management Assistance Team (SMAT). The Secondary Schools Department oversees and directs the Secondary Principals Committee, the Directors of Spiritual Activities Committee, and the Theology Department Chairpersons Committee. The Department serves as a liaison of the Superintendent with pastors, principals, teachers, and parents concerned with Secondary Schools issues.

The Special Education Programs Department promotes and fosters the Catholic identity of the Special Learning Centers and Aquinas Program; provides administrative support and supervision to the principals of the Special Learning Centers and Aquinas Program; represents the Office of Education on each Special Learning Center Development Advisory Board and participates on boards/committees whose mission is advocacy/service to children and adults with disabilities; prepares and monitors the Aquinas Programs’ budgets, reviews requests for financial aid, bills and receives tuition and maintains financial records for the program.

Y

Assists parishes in their ministry to young people by fostering personal and spiritual growth; coordinates various programs on a diocesan level to strengthen the spiritual, physical, intellectual and social qualities of young people.